Much-loved former LFC player Andy Robertson explains the reason as to why his recent move to Spurs was initially delayed.
Should LFC Have Tried To Retain The Services Of Andy Robertson This Summer?
Andy Robertson brought to an end a nine-year association with the Reds this summer, following a season where his minutes were significantly reduced, compared to seasons prior, due to the arrival of Hungary international Milos Kerkez.
Liverpool's plan when bringing in Kerkez was to have him learn from the vastly experienced and highly successful Robertson, so the 22-year-old could learn from the Scotsman, with the pair being rotated in and out of the side in preparation for Kerkez to be the number one choice in the 2026/27 season.
However, Milos Kerkez endured a difficult start to life at Anfield, finding himself to blame for several goals in the first half of the season. This meant that Andy Robertson ended up playing more minutes than the club was expecting.
REUTERS/Chris RadburnAs they entered the January transfer window, Robertson had 6 months left on his current contract, and a renewal seemed unlikely.
Spurs Tried A January Move For Robertson
The now Tottenham Hotspur player, due to Robertson's contract situation, Spurs reportedly tried their hand at bringing in Liverpool's vice-captain into their side early to try and boost their hopes of survival in the Premier League.
Liverpool hadn't planned for anyone to make an approach for Robertson in the January window, so when Spurs came in for the defender, the club had a decision to make.
Liverpool did consider the offer from Spurs as they saw the benefits of bringing in a small amount of money for Robertson, which would have been better business than letting him leave at the end of the season for nothing.
One of the options the club were considering was recalling loaned-out left back Kostas Tsimikas.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY SportsThe Greek international was out on a season-long loan at Serie A side AS Roma and wasn't a regular starter for the Italian side. However, he was still a squad player that Roma didn't want to let leave halfway through the season, so this was deemed too difficult an option to move.
On top of that, losing a player of Andy Robertson's experience halfway through an already difficult season for the Reds wasn't something anyone at LFC was particularly keen on.
So, due to all of these factors, Liverpool decided to turn down the approach from Tottenham and keep Robertson for the remainder of his contract.
Robertson Confirms Spurs January Approach
This approach and potential move have now been confirmed by Andy Robertson himself, speaking about how close he was to joining Spurs in January.
“I don’t think it’s a secret that it nearly happened in January and it didn’t, for one reason or another. Once the January window closed, a lot of options came away, and it was all about making the right decision; this club is a MASSIVE Club.”
REUTERS/Paul Childs Author's Verdict
Liverpool keeping hold of Robertson in January was definitely the sensible decision for the club, as Milos Kerkez was struggling to settle straight away at Liverpool and the need for some experience in that position and in the dressing room as a whole, given the tumultuous season that the Reds endured under now-former head coach Arne Slot.
Robertson's experience and know-how would have been vital in those closing weeks of the season for LFC to secure Champions League football for the 2026/27 campaign, and he left at the end of the season with the send-off he deserved from the Liverpool fans at Anfield on the final day of the season.
